National cartoonist Dave Granlund's blog features his take on politics and current events -- in cartoon form

Senator Slams MTV Reality Show Buckwild

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By Dave Granlund

National cartoonist Dave Granlund's blog features his take on politics and current events. Dave has been an editorial cartoonist published in daily newspapers since 1977. Born in Ware, Mass., Granlund began drawing cartoons in grade school and at
...

National cartoonist Dave Granlund's blog features his take on politics and current events. Dave has been an editorial cartoonist published in daily newspapers since 1977. Born in Ware, Mass., Granlund began drawing cartoons in grade school and at age 16, he was published on the editorial pages of local weekly newspapers. His eight-year enlistment in the USAF included assignments with SAC HQ and with Headquarters Command, where his duties included work as head illustrator for the Presidential Inaugural Subcommittee and providing briefing charts for the White House and support for Air Force One. As part of NATO in Operation Looking Glass with the Airborne Command Post, he was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal. Dave's newspaper honors include awards from UPI, New England Press Association, International Association of Business Communicators, The Associated Press and Massachusetts Press Association. His work has been nominated numerous times for the Pulitzer Prize. His pastimes and interests include history, wood carving, antique tractors and Swedish language studies.

West Virginia Senator Jo Manchin has a bone to pick with MTV's new reality show Buckwild. The series, which premieres next month, follows a group of twentysomethings living in a small West Virginia town and has been described as "The Jersey Shoreof Appalachia." BuzzFeed obtained a letter the senator sent MTV requesting the network cancel the series.Ian Somerhalder? Sofia Vergara? Make your picks for TV's sexiest eye candy now!"As a U.S. Senator, I am repulsed at this business venture, where some Americans are making money off of the poor decisions of our youth," Manchin wrote. "I have no problem with people in this country trying to earn a profit, but I would ask them: Would they do this to their own children, in their own neighborhood, in their own home state?"According to Manchin, Buckwild is a "travesty" which "plays on ugly, inaccurate stereotypes about the people of West Virginia." Buckwild's producer John Stevens spoke to Entertainment Weeklyin defense of the series, explaining: "It's not like looking at a train wreck. That's not what it is.Remember when Justin Timberlake had curls? Check out the most dramatic celebrity makeovers"It's quite the opposite of everything else on TV," Johnson continued. "These kids aren't hooked into the internet. They don't do Facebook. Shane doesn't even have a cell phone. The parents have to go find in the woods when I call to find him. He's usually out there on his ATV and motorcycle. That's their idea of fun. That's what so refreshing."Watch a trailer for Buckwildbelow. Do you agree with Manchin or Stevens?Buckwild premieres Thursday, Jan. 3 at 10/9c.